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Shops, businesses and public buildings associated with the scheme have visible stickers highlighting their membership, and trained staff available to reassure individuals.

Mr Tipping said: "I'm delighted to support the launch of this new app and Nottingham's membership to the Safe Place website which will help increase the safety of vulnerable people living or visiting our city.

"Individuals with learning difficulties are at increased risk of hate crime and it's vital we put the right safeguards in place to protect them and ensure help is always available.

"Nottingham Mencap has been instrumental in making sure this happens by building participation in this project.

"The Safe Place Scheme enables vulnerable people to enjoy a greater sense of independence and encourages them to explore everything our wonderful city has to offer with confidence and I'm immensely proud to be involved with the launch during National Hate Crime Awareness Week."

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Karen Aspley, from Nottingham Mencap, added: "People with learning disability experience hate crime as part of their day to day lives; it is all our responsibility to keep people safe by reporting hate crime. If it looks wrong, it is wrong, report it to the police.

"We feel it is a step forward in supporting people with disabilities to live their lives as equals in our community."

The app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play and will provide instructions to reach the nearest Safe Place or prompt the user to contact the police.